Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same

ABSTRACT

Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include one or more grooves may be formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/306,332 filed on 29 Nov. 2011, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Subterranean drilling systems that employ downhole drilling motors arecommonly used for drilling boreholes in the earth for oil and gasexploration and production. A subterranean drilling system typicallyincludes a downhole drilling motor that is operably connected to anoutput shaft. A pair of thrust-bearing apparatuses also can be operablycoupled to the downhole drilling motor. A rotary drill bit configured toengage a subterranean formation and drill a borehole can be connected tothe output shaft. As the borehole is drilled with the rotary drill bit,pipe sections may be connected to the subterranean drilling system toform a drill string capable of progressively drilling the borehole to agreater size or depth within the earth.

Each thrust-bearing apparatus includes a stator that does not rotaterelative to the motor housing and a rotor that is attached to the outputshaft and rotates with the output shaft. The stator and rotor eachincludes a plurality of bearing elements that may be fabricated frompolycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that provide diamond bearingsurfaces that bear against each other during use.

In operation, high-pressure drilling fluid may be circulated through thedrill string and power section of the downhole drilling motor, usuallyprior to the rotary drill bit engaging the bottom of the borehole, togenerate torque and rotate the output shaft and the rotary drill bitattached to the output shaft. When the rotary drill bit engages thebottom of the borehole, a thrust load is generated, which is commonlyreferred to as “on-bottom thrust” that tends to compress and is carried,at least in part, by one of the thrust-bearing apparatuses. Fluid flowthrough the power section may cause what is commonly referred to as“off-bottom thrust,” which is carried, at least in part, by the otherthrust-bearing apparatus. The drilling fluid used to generate the torquefor rotating the rotary drill bit exits openings formed in the rotarydrill bit and returns to the surface, carrying cuttings of thesubterranean formation through an annular space between the drilledborehole and the subterranean drilling system. Typically, a portion ofthe drilling fluid is diverted by the downhole drilling motor to helpcool and lubricate the bearing elements of the thrust-bearingapparatuses, however, cooling and lubricating the bearing elements canbe problematic, in part, because of inadequate surface area on eachbearing element exposed to the drilling fluid and/or circulating air.

The on-bottom and off-bottom thrust carried by the thrust-bearingapparatuses can also be extremely large and generate significant amountsof energy. The operational lifetime of the thrust-bearing apparatusesoften can determine the useful life of the subterranean drilling system.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies,bearing apparatuses and motor assemblies that include superhard bearingelements having features configured to improve lubrication and/orcooling of the superhard bearing elements. When the superhard bearingelements are closely-spaced from or abutting each other to form aquasi/substantially continuous bearing surface, the superhard bearingelements may not be able to effectively cool during use so at least someof the superhard bearing elements may be provided with one or moregrooves formed therein to promote lubrication and/or cooling during use.

In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality ofsuperhard bearing elements (e.g., cylindrical or non-cylindricalsuperhard bearing elements) distributed circumferentially about an axis.Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. Atleast one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include oneor more grooves (e.g., one or more arcuate grooves) may be formed in thebearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a supportring that carries the superhard bearing elements. In an embodiment, theone or more grooves may be positioned and configured to pump lubricatingfluid onto the bearing surfaces of one or more of the superhard bearingelements. In an embodiment, the one or more grooves may be configured toincrease surface area of the bearing surfaces in contact withlubricating fluid.

In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus may include two bearingassemblies. At least one of the two bearing assemblies may be configuredas any of the disclosed bearing assembly embodiments that are configuredto improve lubrication and/or cooling of the superhard bearing elementsduring use.

In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a bearing assembly mayinclude forming one or more grooves (e.g., one or more arcuate grooves)in a bearing surface of a superhard bearing element. The method mayinclude securing the superhard bearing element to a support ring. In anembodiment, the one or more grooves may be formed before securing thesuperhard bearing element to the support ring. In an embodiment, the oneor more grooves may be formed after securing the superhard bearingelement to the support ring. In an embodiment, forming the one or moregrooves may include laser-cutting the grooves in the bearing surface. Inan embodiment, forming the one or more grooves may include using asacrificial material to at least partially define the one or moregrooves in the bearing surface.

Other embodiments include downhole motors for use in drilling systemsand subterranean drilling systems that may utilize any of the disclosedbearing apparatuses.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used incombination with one another, without limitation. In addition, otherfeatures and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments, wherein identical referencenumerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in differentviews or embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a thrust-bearing assembly according toan embodiment.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of three side-by-side superhard bearingelements removed from the thrust-bearing assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of one of the superhard bearingelements shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D is a top plan view of the thrust-bearing assembly shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 1E is a top plan view of a thrust-bearing assembly according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1F is an isometric cutaway view taken along line 1F-1F of thethrust-bearing assembly shown in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a superhard bearing element according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the superhard bearing element shownin FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a superhard bearing element according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the superhard bearing element shownin FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a thrust-bearing apparatus that mayemploy any of the disclosed thrust-bearing assemblies according to anembodiment, with the housing shown in cross-section.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the thrust-bearing apparatus shownin FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a radial bearing assembly according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an isometric cutaway view of the radial bearing assemblyshown in FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B.

FIG. 6 is an isometric cutaway view of a radial bearing apparatus thatmay utilize any of the disclosed radial bearing assemblies according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an isometric cutaway view of two radial bearing apparatusesthat may utilize any of the disclosed radial bearing assembliesaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric cutaway view of a subterranean drillingsystem that may utilize any of the disclosed bearing assembliesaccording to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies, bearingapparatuses and motor assemblies that include superhard bearing elementshaving features configured to improve lubrication and/or cooling of thesuperhard bearing elements. When the superhard bearing elements areclosely-spaced or abutting each other to form a quasi/substantiallycontinuous bearing surface, the superhard bearing elements may not beable to effectively cool so at least some of the superhard bearingelements may be provided with one or more grooves formed therein topromote lubrication and/or cooling during use. FIG. 1A is an isometricview of a thrust-bearing assembly according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B isan isometric view of three adjacent superhard bearing elements removedfrom the thrust-bearing assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

The thrust-bearing assembly 100 may form a stator or a rotor of athrust-bearing apparatus used in a subterranean drilling system. Asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the thrust-bearing assembly 100 may include asupport ring 102 defining an opening 104 through which a shaft (notshown) of, for example, a downhole drilling motor may extend. Thesupport ring 102 may be made from a variety of different materials. Forexample, the support ring 102 may comprise carbon steel, stainlesssteel, tungsten carbide, copper, or any other suitable conductive ornon-conductive material. The support ring 102 may include a plurality ofrecesses 106 (shown in FIG. 1F) formed therein.

The thrust-bearing assembly 100 further may include a plurality ofsuperhard bearing elements 108. As shown in FIG. 1B, the superhardbearing elements 108 may include a superhard table 110 bonded to asubstrate 112 including a first side surface 114, a second side surface116, a first end surface 118, a second end surface 120, and a bearingsurface 122 of the superhard table 110. The superhard bearing elements108 are illustrated in FIG. 1A being distributed circumferentially abouta thrust axis 124 along which a thrust force may be generally directedduring use. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D, gaps 125 may be located betweenadjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements 108. In an embodiment,at least one of, some of, or all of the gaps 125 may exhibit a width ofabout 0.00020 inches to 0.100 inches, such as about 0.00040 inches to0.0010 inches, or about 0.00040 inches to 0.080 inches. In otherembodiments, the gaps 125 may have widths that are relatively larger orsmaller. In other embodiments, the gaps 125 may substantially be zeroand the adjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements 108 may abuteach other.

Each of the superhard bearing elements 108 may be partially disposed ina corresponding one of the recesses 106 (shown in FIG. 1F which is anisometric cutaway view taken along line 1F-1F of the thrust-bearingassembly shown in FIG. 1D) of the support ring 102 and secured partiallytherein via brazing, press-fitting, threadly attaching, fastening with afastener, combinations of the foregoing, or another suitable technique.As used herein, a “superhard bearing element” is a bearing elementincluding a bearing surface that is made from a material exhibiting ahardness that is at least as hard as tungsten carbide.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the superhard bearingelements 108 may be made from one or more superhard materials, such aspolycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, siliconcarbide, tungsten carbide, or any combination of the foregoing superhardmaterials. For example, the superhard table 110 may be formed frompolycrystalline diamond and the substrate 112 may be formed fromcobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. Furthermore, in any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, the polycrystalline diamond table may be leached to atleast partially or substantially completely remove a metal-solventcatalyst (e.g., cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) that was usedto initially sinter precursor diamond particles that form thepolycrystalline diamond. In another embodiment, an infiltrant used tore-infiltrate a preformed leached polycrystalline diamond table may beleached or otherwise removed to a selected depth from a bearing surface.Moreover, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, thepolycrystalline diamond may be un-leached and include a metal-solventcatalyst (e.g., cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) that was usedto initially sinter the precursor diamond particles that form thepolycrystalline diamond and/or an infiltrant used to re-infiltrate apreformed leached polycrystalline diamond table. Examples of methods forfabricating the superhard bearing elements and superhard materials fromwhich the superhard bearing elements can be made are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,866,418 and 7,998,573; and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/545,929 and 11/983,619; the contents of each ofthe foregoing patents and applications are incorporated herein, in theirentirety, by this reference.

The diamond particles that may be used to fabricate the superhard table110 in a high-pressure/high-temperature process (“HPHT)” may exhibit alarger size and at least one relatively smaller size. As used herein,the phrases “relatively larger” and “relatively smaller” refer toparticle sizes (by any suitable method) that differ by at least a factorof two (e.g., 30 μm and 15 μm). According to various embodiments, thediamond particles may include a portion exhibiting a relatively largersize (e.g., 30 μm, 20 μm, 15 μm, 12 μm, 10 μm, 8 μm) and another portionexhibiting at least one relatively smaller size (e.g., 6 μm, 5 μm, 4 μm,3 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, less than 0.5 μm, 0.1 μm, less than 0.1 μm).In an embodiment, the diamond particles may include a portion exhibitinga relatively larger size between about 10 μm and about 40 μm and anotherportion exhibiting a relatively smaller size between about 1 μm and 4μm. In some embodiments, the diamond particles may comprise three ormore different sizes (e.g., one relatively larger size and two or morerelatively smaller sizes), without limitation. The resultpolycrystalline diamond formed from HPHT sintering the aforementioneddiamond particles may also exhibit the same or similar diamond grainsize distributions and/or sizes as the aforementioned diamond particledistributions and particle sizes.

Additionally, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the superhardbearing elements 108 may be free-standing (e.g., substrateless) andformed from a polycrystalline diamond body that is at least partially orfully leached to remove a metal-solvent catalyst initially used tosinter the polycrystalline diamond body.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the first side surface 114 and the second sidesurface 116 of each of the superhard bearing elements 108 may extendbetween the first end surface 118 and the second end surface 120 andvice versa. At least one of the superhard bearing elements 108 may havea length LS defined between the first end surface 118 and the second endsurface 120. In an embodiment, the first side surface 114 and the secondside surface 116 may be non-parallel to each other such that thesuperhard bearing elements 108 have a wedge-like shape. In otherembodiments, the first side surface 114 and the second side surface 116may be configured such that the superhard bearing elements 108 have agenerally rectangular shape, a generally oval shape, anothernon-cylindrical shape, a generally cylindrical shape, or anothersuitable configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, both the firstend surface 118 and the second end surface 120 may have a convexcurvature.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second end surface 120 may have a convexcurvature to at least partially complement an outer peripheral surface128 of the support ring 102. In other embodiments, the first end surface118 and the second end surface 120 may have symmetrical edgeconfigurations, asymmetrical edge configurations, curved edgeconfigurations, irregular edge configurations, or other edgeconfigurations. For example, the first end surface 118 and the secondend surface 120 may take the form of any portion of a circle, oval,square, rectangle, rhombus, triangle, or virtually any other simple,complex, regular, irregular, symmetrical, or non-symmetrical geometricshape. Moreover, the first end surface 118 may have an area greater thanan area of the second end surface 120, although this feature is notnecessary. In other embodiments, the first end surface 118 and thesecond end surface 120 may be substantially the same size.

The bearing surface 122 of the superhard table 110 may extend betweenthe first end surface 118, the second end surface 120, the first sidesurface 114, the second side surface 116, and may be substantiallyplanar and generally lie in common plane (shown in FIG. 1F) with thebearing surfaces 122 of the other superhard bearing elements 108. Thesuperhard bearing elements 108 may be pre-machined to tolerances andmounted in the support ring 102 and/or mounted to the support ring 102and the bearing surfaces 122 thereof and planarized (e.g., by lappingand/or grinding) so that the bearing surfaces 122 are substantiallycoplanar. As shown in FIG. 1A, the superhard bearing elements 108 may bearranged substantially adjacent to one another to form aquasi-continuous bearing surface. Optionally, one or more of thesuperhard bearing elements 108 may exhibit a peripherally extending edgechamfer. However, in other embodiments, the edge chamfer may be omitted.

At least some of the superhard bearing elements 108 may include at leastone feature (e.g., at least one groove) configured to pump lubricatingfluid onto the bearing surface 122 and/or influence cooling of thesuperhard bearing elements 108. When the superhard bearing elements 108are closely-spaced from or abutting each other to form aquasi/substantially continuous bearing surface of the individual bearingsurfaces 122, the superhard bearing elements 108 may not be able toeffectively cool during use. Therefore, in an embodiment, a groove 130may be formed in the bearing surface 122 to promote effective coolingand/or lubrication during use. The groove 130 may be formed byelectro-discharge machining (“EDM”), laser-cutting, grinding,combinations thereof, or otherwise machining the groove 130 in thebearing surface 122 before or after securing the superhard bearingelements 108 to the support ring 102. For example, suitablelaser-cutting techniques are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.13/166,007 filed on Jun. 22, 2011, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein, in its entirety by this reference.

In other embodiments, the groove 130 may be formed in the bearingsurface 122 by using a sacrificial material to define the groove 130 inthe bearing surface 122 during formation (i.e., sintering) of thesuperhard table 110. The sacrificial material may include metals (e.g.,tungsten), alloys (e.g., tungsten alloys), ceramics (e.g., tungstencarbide), combinations thereof, or the like. Once the groove 130 isdefined in the bearing surface, the sacrificial material may be removedvia leaching, thermal decomposition, combinations thereof, or otherremoval techniques.

The groove 130 may follow a generally arcuate path with a length L thatextends generally between the first end surface 118 and the second endsurface 120. In other embodiments, the length L of the groove 130 mayextend along only a portion of the bearing surface 122. For example, thelength of the groove 130 may extend between the first end surface 118and an intermediate point between the first end surface 118 and thesecond end surface 120. In another embodiment, the length L of thegroove 130 may extend between the first end surface 118 and the firstside surface 114. Moreover, while the groove 130 is illustratedfollowing a generally arcuate path, the groove 130 may follow agenerally semi-cylindrical path, a generally s-shaped path, a generallyu-shaped path, a generally v-shaped path, a generally linear path, orthe like.

In an embodiment, the length L of the grooves 130 may be about 0.3inches to about 2 inches, such as about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch.However, in other embodiments, the length L of the grooves 130 may belonger or shorter than the foregoing ranges. As illustrated, each of thegrooves 130 may have at least substantially the same length L. However,in other embodiments, some or all of the grooves 130 may havesubstantially different lengths L, respectively. For example, in anembodiment, the superhard bearing elements 108 may include a first groupof grooves 130 having lengths L of about 1 inch and a second group ofgrooves 130 having lengths L of about 0.5 inches.

While all the superhard bearing elements 108 are shown includingsubstantially identical grooves 130, in other embodiments, only aportion of the superhard bearing elements 108 may have substantiallyidentical grooves 130 and/or the superhard bearing elements 108 may havegrooves 130 of varying sizes and configurations.

FIG. 1C is a front view of one of the superhard bearing elements 108shown in FIG. 1B. The superhard bearing elements 108 may have agenerally uniform width WS which is substantially less than the lengthLS of the superhard bearing elements 108, although it will beappreciated that these dimensions are illustrative only.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the length L of the grooves130 and the length LS of the superhard bearing elements 108 may beconfigured to help increase lubrication and/or cooling of the superhardbearing elements 108. For example, increasing the length L of one ormore of the grooves 130 relative to the length LS of one or more of thesuperhard bearing elements 108 may increase the percentage of surfacearea of the bearing surfaces 122 and/or the superhard bearing elements108 in contact with the lubricating fluid to help cool the superhardbearing elements 108. The length L of at least one of the grooves 130may be at least: about ninety (90) percent; about one hundred (100)percent; about one hundred and ten (110) percent; about one hundred andtwenty (120) percent; about one hundred and thirty (130) percent; aboutone hundred and forty (140) percent; or about one hundred and fifty(150) percent of the width LS of the superhard bearing elements 108. Inother embodiments, the length L of one or more of the grooves 130 may beabout forty (40) percent to about one hundred and forty (140) percent;about fifty (50) percent to about one hundred and thirty (130) percent;or at least about one hundred and twenty (120) percent of the length LSof at least one of the superhard bearing elements 108. In otherembodiments, the length L of one or more of the grooves 130 and thelength LS of one or more of the superhard bearing elements 108 may belarger or smaller relative to each other.

Similar to the relationship between the length L of the grooves 130 andthe length LS of the superhard bearing elements 108, the relationshipbetween the length L of one or more of the grooves 130 and the width WSof one or more of the superhard bearing elements 108 may be configuredto help increase lubrication and/or cooling of the superhard bearingelements 108. For example, the length L of at least one of the grooves130 may be at least: about ninety (90) percent; about one hundred (100)percent; about one hundred and ten (110) percent; about one hundred andtwenty (120) percent; about one hundred and thirty (130) percent; aboutone hundred and forty (140) percent; or about one hundred and fifty(150) percent of the width WS of at least one of the superhard bearingelements 108. In other embodiments, the length L of at least one of thegrooves 130 may be between about one hundred (100) percent and about onehundred and forty (140) percent; or between about one hundred and ten(110) percent and about one hundred and thirty (130) percent, or aboutone hundred and twenty (120) percent of the width WS of at least one ofthe superhard bearing elements 108. In other embodiments, the length Lof one or more of the grooves 130 and the width WS of one or more of thesuperhard bearing elements 108 may be larger or smaller relative to eachother.

Significantly, by reducing friction and/or increasing heat dissipation(i.e., cooling), the grooves 130 may reduce wear of the superhardbearing elements 108 and help prolong the useful life of the superhardbearing elements 108.

Referring still to FIG. 1C, each of the grooves 130 may be furtherdefined by a bottom portion and opposing sidewalls. The grooves 130 mayinclude straight edges formed at the intersection of the opposingsidewalls and the bearing surface 122. In other embodiments, the grooves130 may include beveled edges, rounded edges, chamfered edges, or thelike.

As illustrated, the grooves 130 may have a generally rectangularcross-section. In other embodiments, the grooves 130 may have agenerally v-shaped cross-section, a generally u-shaped cross-section, agenerally circular shaped cross-section, a generally parabolic shapedcross-section, a generally trapezoidal shaped cross-section,combinations thereof, or the like. The cross-section of the grooves 130may influence the pumping of the lubricating fluid and/or the cooling ofthe superhard bearing elements 108. For example, in an embodiment, atleast one of the grooves 130 may have a portion including a v-shapedcross-section configured to improve cooling of the superhard bearingelement 108 and lubrication of the bearing surface 122 by increasing thefluid velocity of the lubricating fluid through that portion of thegroove 130. In other embodiments, the grooves 130 may include a firstdeeper cross-sectional shape followed by a second shallowercross-sectional shape to pump or impel the lubricating fluid onto thebearing surfaces 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, at least one of the grooves 130 may have awidth W and a depth D. Variations of the depth D and/or the width W ofthe grooves 130 may help the grooves 130 lubricate and/or cool thesuperhard bearing elements 108.

The depth D of the grooves 130 may extend between the bottom portion ofthe grooves 130 and the bearing surface 122. For example, the depth Dmay be about 0.1 inches to about 0.4 inches, such as about 0.15 inchesto about 0.25 inches. As illustrated, the grooves 130 may have at leastsubstantially the same depth D. However, in other embodiments, thegrooves 130 may have at least substantially different depths D. Inaddition, the depths D of a groove 130 may vary along its path. Forexample, at least one of the grooves 130 may have a depth D thatincludes a deeper portion and a shallower portion. As also shown in FIG.1C, the superhard table 110 may have a thickness T defined between anupper surface of the substrate 112 and the bearing surface 122 of thesuperhard table 110.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the depth D of the grooves130 and the thickness T of the superhard table 110 may be configured toimprove lubrication and/or cooling of the superhard bearing elements108. For example, the depth D of at least one of the grooves 130 may beabout ten (10) percent to about one hundred twenty (120) percent; aboutforty (40) percent to about one hundred (100) percent; about fifty (50)percent to seventy (70) percent; about fifty-five (55) percent to aboutsixty-five (65) percent of the thickness T of the superhard table 110.In another embodiment, the depth D of at least one of the grooves 130may be at least about forty (40) percent, at least about fifty (50)percent, at least about sixty (60) percent, about seventy (70) percent,at least about eighty (80) percent, at least one hundred (100) percentof the thickness T of the superhard table 110. In other embodiments, thedepth D of the grooves 130 and the thickness T of the superhard table110 may be larger or smaller relative to each other. For example, in anembodiment, the depth D of the grooves 130 may extend entirely throughthe thickness T of the superhard table 110 and substantially within thesubstrate 112.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the width W of the grooves 130 may extend betweenthe opposing sidewalls of the grooves 130. In an embodiment, the widthof the grooves 130 may be about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches, such asabout 0.2 inches to about 0.3 inches. In other embodiments, the widths Wof the grooves 130 may be wider or narrower. As illustrated, the grooves130 may have at least substantially the same width W. However, in otherembodiments, some or all of the grooves 130 may have substantiallydifferent widths W. In addition, the widths W of the grooves 130 mayvary. For example, at least one of the grooves 130 may have a width Wthat includes a narrower portion and a wider portion near the first endsurface 118. Such a configuration may provide the grooves 130 with awider inlet for the lubricating fluid.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the width W of the grooves130 and the width WS of the superhard bearing elements 108 may beconfigured to improve lubrication and/or cooling of the superhardbearing elements 108. For example, the width W of the grooves 130 andthe width WS of the superhard bearing elements 108 may be at least:about ten (10) percent; about fifteen (15) percent; about twenty (20)percent; about twenty-five (25) percent; or about thirty (30) percent ofthe width WS of the superhard bearing elements 108. In addition, thewidth W of the grooves 130 may be about ten (10) percent to about thirty(30) percent; or about fifteen (15) percent to about twenty-five (25)percent; or at least about twenty (20) percent of the width WS of thesuperhard bearing elements 108. In other embodiments, the width W of thegrooves 130 and the width WS of the superhard bearing elements 108 maybe larger or smaller relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the length L of one or moreof the grooves 130 and the depth D of one or more of the grooves 130 maybe configured to improve lubrication and/or cooling of the superhardbearing elements 108. For example, the length L of at least one of thegrooves 130 may be at least: about one hundred (100) percent; about twohundred (200) percent; about three hundred (300) percent; about fourhundred (400) percent; about five hundred (500) percent; about sixhundred (600) percent; about seven hundred (700) percent; or about eighthundred (800) percent of the depth D of at least one of the grooves 130.In addition, the length L of at least one of the grooves 130 may be:about four hundred (400) percent to eight hundred (800) percent; orabout five hundred (500) percent to seven hundred (700) percent of thedepth of the grooves 130; or about six hundred (600) percent of thedepth D of at least one of the grooves 130. In other embodiments, thedepth D of one or more of the grooves 130 and the length L of one ormore of the grooves 130 may be larger or smaller relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the length L of one or moreof the grooves 130 and the width W of one or more of the grooves 130 maybe configured to improve lubrication and/or cooling of the superhardbearing elements 108. For example, the length L of at least one of thegrooves 130 may be at least: about one hundred (100) percent; about twohundred (200) percent; about three hundred (300) percent; about fourhundred (400) percent; about five hundred (500) percent; about sixhundred (600) percent; about seven hundred (700) percent; or about eighthundred (800) percent of the width W of at least one of the grooves 130.In addition, the length L of at least one of the grooves 130 may be:about four hundred (400) percent to about eight hundred (800) percent;or about five hundred (500) percent to about seven hundred (700)percent; or at least about six hundred (600) percent of the width W ofat least one of the grooves 130. In other embodiments, the width W ofone or more of the grooves 130 and the length L of one or more of thegrooves 130 may be larger or smaller relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the relationship between the depth D of one or more ofthe grooves 130 and the width W of the one or more of the grooves 130may be configured to improve lubrication and/or cooling of the superhardbearing elements 108. For example, the depth D of at least one of thegrooves 130 may be at least: about fifty (50) percent; about one hundred(100) percent; about one hundred and fifty (150) percent; about twohundred (200) percent; or about three hundred (300) percent of the widthW of at least one of the grooves 130. In addition, the depth D of atleast one of the grooves 130 may be about fifty (50) percent to aboutone hundred and fifty (150) percent; or about one hundred (100) percentof the width W of at least one of the grooves 130. In otherconfigurations, the depth D of one or more of the grooves 130 and thewidth W of one or more of the grooves 130 may be larger or smallerrelative to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, the superhard bearing elements 108 may becircumferentially distributed about the thrust axis 124 such that thegroove 130 of each superhard bearing element 108 may be oriented in afirst curvature direction (i.e., the groove 130 extends from the firstend surface 118 along a path that curves toward the rotational directionR). In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1E, the groove 130 of eachsuperhard bearing element 108 may be oriented in a second curvaturedirection (i.e., the groove 130 extends from the first end surface 118along a path that curves away from a rotational direction R). As shownby flow direction arrows, when the support ring 102 rotates in directionR, the grooves 130 may pump lubricating fluid flowing out from thecenter opening 104 of the support ring 102 therethrough. In addition,the grooves 130 may help cool the superhard bearing elements 108 byincreasing the surface area of the bearing surface 122 and/or thesuperhard bearing element 108 in contact with the lubricating fluidand/or agitating flow of the lubricating fluid.

In an embodiment, the grooves 130 of some of the superhard bearingelements 108 may be oriented in the first curvature direction while thegrooves 130 of other superhard bearing elements 108 may be oriented inthe generally opposite second curvature direction. Such a configurationmay allow the grooves 130 to pump lubricating fluid onto the bearingsurfaces 122 of the superhard bearing elements 108 in the firstcurvature direction, the second curvature direction, or both directions.Accordingly, wear on the superhard bearing elements 108 may besignificantly reduced because of multi-directional lubrication.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a superhard bearing element 208according to an embodiment. The superhard bearing element 208 mayinclude a superhard table 210 bonded to a substrate 212 including afirst side surface 214, a second side surface 216, a first end surface218, a second end surface 220, and a bearing surface 222 of thesuperhard table 210 extending between the first end surface 218 and thesecond end surface 220. The superhard bearing element 208 may be madefrom any of the materials discussed above for the superhard bearingelements 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearingelement 208 may have a wedge-like shape. In other embodiments, however,the superhard bearing element 208 may have a generally rectangularshape, a generally round rectangular shape, a generally oval shape, agenerally circular shape, a generally triangular shape, or the like.

The superhard bearing element 208 may include a groove 230 formed in thebearing surface 222. The groove 230 may have a generally v-shaped shapeincluding a first portion forming an angle θ relative to a secondportion. In an embodiment, the angle θ between the first portion and thesecond portion may be about 20 degrees to 170 degrees, about 30 degreesto 160 degrees, or about 40 degrees to 150 degrees. In otherembodiments, the angle θ between the first and second portions may belarger or smaller. The v-shape of the groove 230 may help pumplubricating fluid onto the bearing surface 222 by directing thelubricating fluid onto the bearing surface 222 at or near the angleformed in the groove 230. In addition, the v-shape of the groove 230 mayhelp cool the superhard bearing element 208 by increasing the fluid flowbetween the bearing surface 222 and/or the superhard bearing element 208in contact with the lubricating fluid and/or creating turbulent flowwithin the lubricating fluid.

In an embodiment, the groove 230 may be formed in the bearing surface222 between the first end surface 218 and the second end surface 220. Inother embodiments, the groove 230 may extend through only a portion ofthe bearing surface 222. For example, the groove 230 may extend betweenthe first end surface 218 and an intermediate point between the firstend surface 218 and the second end surface 220.

FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the superhard bearing element 208.As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the groove 230 may include sidewalls thatform a generally v-shaped cross-section. In other embodiments, thegroove 230 may have a generally parabolic cross-section, a generallyu-shaped cross-section, a generally circular cross-section, a generallyrectangular cross-section, a generally rounded rectangular shape, agenerally trapezoidal cross-section, combinations thereof, or the like.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a superhard bearing element 308according to an embodiment. The superhard bearing element 308 mayinclude a superhard table 310 bonded to a substrate 312 including afirst side surface 314, a second side surface 316, a first end surface318, a second end surface 320, and a bearing surface 322 of thesuperhard table 310 extending between the first end surface 318 and thesecond end surface 320. In an embodiment, the superhard bearing element308 may include a peripherally-extending edge chamfer. However, in otherembodiments, a portion of the peripherally-extending edge chamber or allof the peripherally-extending edge chamfer may be omitted. The superhardbearing element 308 may be made from any of the materials discussedabove for the superhard bearing elements 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the superhard bearing element 308 may have a wedge-likeshape. In other embodiments, however, the superhard bearing element 308may have a generally rectangular shape, a generally rounded rectangularshape, a generally oval shape, a circular shape, a generally triangularshape, or the like.

As shown, the superhard bearing element 308 may include two grooves 330formed in the bearing surface 322, however, in other embodiments; thesuperhard bearing elements 308 may include one, three, four, or anynumber of grooves 330. The grooves 330 may have a generally lineargeometry. In other embodiments, the grooves 330 follow a generallyarcuate path, a generally curved path, a generally v-shaped path, agenerally s-shaped path, generally u-shaped path, or the like. As shown,the grooves 330 may include a peripherally-extending edge chamfer.However, in other embodiments, a portion of the peripherally-extendingedge chamber or all of the peripherally-extending edge chamfer may beomitted.

In an embodiment, each of the grooves 330 may be generally parallel toone another. In other embodiments, the grooves 330 may be generallynon-parallel to one another. In an embodiment, the grooves 330 may helpcool the superhard bearing elements 308 by increasing fluid flow betweenthe bearing surface 322 and/or the superhard bearing element 308 incontact with the lubricating fluid. In addition, the grooves 330 mayhelp pump lubricating fluid onto the bearing surfaces 322 by providingmore than one flow path for the lubricating fluid onto the bearingsurfaces 322.

As illustrated, each of the grooves 330 may include a generallyrectangular cross-section defined at least partially by a bottom portionand opposing sidewalls. In other embodiments, the grooves 330 may have agenerally parabolic cross-section, a generally circular cross-section, agenerally rectangular cross-section, a generally u-shaped cross-section,a generally trapezoidal cross-section, combinations thereof, or thelike. In an embodiment, the grooves 330 may include smooth and/orirregular surfaces to influence lubrication and/or cooling of thesuperhard bearing element 308. For example, in an embodiment, at leastone sidewall and/or bottom portion of the grooves 330 may includeportions having irregular surfaces configured to improve heatdissipation by increasing turbulent flow of the lubricating fluid.

Any of the above-described thrust-bearing assembly embodiments may beemployed in a thrust-bearing apparatus. FIG. 4A is an isometric view ofa thrust-bearing apparatus 400. The thrust-bearing apparatus 400 mayinclude a stator 440 configured as any of the previously describedembodiments of thrust-bearing assemblies. The stator 440 may include aplurality of circumferentially-adjacent superhard bearing elements 408.The superhard bearing elements 408 may include a bearing surface 422 andat least some of the superhard bearing elements 408 may exhibit, forexample, the configuration of the superhard bearing elements 108. Thesuperhard bearing elements 408 may be mounted or otherwise attached to asupport ring 402. The thrust-bearing apparatus 400 further may include arotor 450. The rotor 450 may include a support ring 452 and a pluralityof superhard bearing elements 458 mounted or otherwise attached to thesupport ring 452, with each of the superhard bearing elements 458 havinga bearing surface 454. As shown, a shaft 456 may be coupled to thesupport ring 452 and operably coupled to an apparatus capable ofrotating the shaft 456 in a direction R (or in a generally oppositedirection), such as a downhole motor. For example, the shaft 456 mayextend through and may be secured to the support ring 452 of the rotor450 by press-fitting or threadly coupling the shaft 456 to the supportring 452 or another suitable technique. A housing 460 may be secured tothe support ring 402 of the stator 440 and may extend circumferentiallyabout the shaft 456 and the rotor 450.

The operation of the thrust-bearing apparatus 400 is discussed in moredetail with reference to FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view inwhich the shaft 456 and housing 460 are not shown for clarity. Inoperation, lubricating fluid, drilling fluid, or mud may be pumpedbetween the shaft 456 and the housing 460, and between the superhardbearing elements 458 of the rotor 450. Grooves 430 of the superhardbearing elements 458 of the rotor 450 may help pump lubricating fluidbetween the bearing surfaces 422 of the stator 440 and the bearingsurfaces 454 of the rotor 450 which in turn can greatly reduce frictionbetween the bearing surfaces 422 of the stator 440 and the bearingsurfaces 454 of the rotor 450. The grooves 430 may also help cool thesuperhard bearing elements 458 of the rotor 450 by increasing thesurface area of the superhard bearing elements 458 and/or the bearingsurfaces 454 in contact with the lubricating fluid. Moreover, undercertain operational conditions the thrust-bearing apparatus 400 may beoperated as a hydrodynamic bearing. For example, where the rotationalspeed of the rotor 450 is sufficiently great and the thrust load issufficiently low, a fluid film may develop between the bearing surfaces422 of the stator 440 and the bearing surfaces 454 of the rotor 450. Thefluid film may have sufficient pressure to reduce or prevent contactbetween the respective bearing surfaces 422, 454 and thus, substantiallyreduce wear of the superhard bearing elements 458 and the superhardbearing elements 408. In such a situation, the thrust-bearing apparatus400 may be described as operating hydrodynamically. Thus, thethrust-bearing apparatus 400 may be operated to improve lubrication ofthe contact area between the bearing surfaces 422 of the stator 440 andthe bearing surfaces 454 of the rotor 450 and/or as a hydrodynamicbearing.

The concepts used in the thrust-bearing assemblies and apparatusesdescribed above may also be employed in the radial bearing assembliesand apparatuses. FIGS. 5A and 5B are isometric and isometric cutawayviews, respectively, illustrating a radial bearing assembly 500according to an embodiment. The radial bearing assembly 500 may includea support ring 502 extending about a rotation axis 524. The support ring502 may include an inner peripheral surface 526 defining a centralopening 504 that is capable of receiving, for example, an inner supportring or inner race. The support ring 502 may also include an outerperipheral surface 528. A plurality of superhard bearing elements 508may be distributed circumferentially about the rotation axis 524. Eachsuperhard bearing element 508 may include a superhard table 510including a concavely-curved bearing surface 522 (e.g., curved to lie onan imaginary cylindrical surface). Each superhard table 510 may bebonded or attached to a corresponding substrate 512 (shown in FIG. 5B).The superhard bearing elements 508 have a generally rounded rectangularshape and each made from any of the materials discussed above for thesuperhard bearing elements 108. In other embodiments, the superhardbearing elements 508 may have a non-cylindrical shape, generallywedge-like shape, a generally oval-like shape, a circular shape or anyother suitable shape. Similar to the superhard bearing elements 108, thesuperhard bearing elements 508 may include a first side surface 514, asecond side surface 516, a first end surface 518, a second end surface520, with the bearing surface 522 extending between the first endsurface 518 and the second end surface 520. In an embodiment, at leastsome of the superhard bearing elements 508 may include a groove 530formed in the bearing surface 522. The grooves 530 may be configuredsimilar to the grooves 130, 230, 330, or any other groove disclosedherein. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the superhard bearingelements 508 may be distributed circumferentially about the rotationaxis 524 in corresponding recesses 506 formed in the support ring 502and arranged in a single row. In other embodiments, the superhardbearing elements 508 may be circumferentially distributed in two rows,three rows, four rows, or any number of rows.

FIG. 6 is an isometric cutaway view of a radial bearing apparatus 600according to an embodiment. The radial bearing apparatus 600 may includean inner race 682 (i.e., a rotor). The inner race 682 may define anopening 684 and may include a plurality of circumferentially-adjacentsuperhard bearing elements 686 distributed about a rotation axis 624,each of which includes a convexly-curved bearing surface 688. The radialbearing apparatus 600 may further include an outer race 690 (i.e., astator) that extends about and receives the inner race 682. The outerrace 690 may include a plurality of circumferentially-adjacent superhardbearing elements 608 distributed about the rotation axis 624, each ofwhich includes a concavely-curved bearing surface 622 curved tocorrespond to the convexly-curved bearing surfaces 688. The superhardbearing elements 608 and 686 may have a generally rounded rectangularshape and each may be made from any of the materials discussed above forthe superhard bearing elements 108. In other embodiments, the superhardbearing elements 608 and 686 may have a generally wedge-like shape, agenerally oval shape, or any other suitable shape. The terms “rotor” and“stator” refer to rotating and stationary components of the radialbearing apparatus 600, respectively. Thus, if the outer race 690 isconfigured to remain stationary, the outer race 690 may be referred toas the stator and the inner race 682 may be referred to as the rotor.

At least some of the superhard bearing elements 686 may include a groove630 formed in the bearing surface 688. The grooves 630 may be configuredto help pump lubricating fluid onto the bearing surfaces 688 of thesuperhard bearing elements 686 and/or the bearing surfaces 622 of thesuperhard bearing elements 608. Moreover, under certain operatingconditions that grooves 630 may help form a fluid film similar to thegrooves of the superhard bearing elements shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Ashaft or spindle (not shown) may extend through the opening 684 and maybe secured to the rotor 682 by press-fitting the shaft or spindle to therotor 682, threadly coupling the shaft or spindle to the rotor 682, oranother suitable technique. A housing (not shown) may also be secured tothe stator 690 using similar techniques.

The radial bearing apparatus 600 may be employed in a variety ofmechanical applications. For example, so-called “rotary cone” rotarydrill bits, pumps, transmissions or turbines may benefit from a radialbearing apparatus discussed herein.

It is noted that the outer race 690 of the radial bearing apparatus 600is shown including a plurality of circumferentially-distributedsuperhard bearing elements 608 without grooves. However, in otherembodiments, an outer race of a radial bearing apparatus may include aplurality of circumferentially-distributed superhard bearing elements,each of which may include a groove, as previously described, configuredto help lubricate and/or cool the superhard bearing elements of theouter race during operation.

FIG. 7 is an isometric cutaway view of two radial bearing apparatuses700A, 700B according to another embodiment. The radial bearingapparatuses 700A, 700B may include an inner race 782 (i.e., rotor). Theinner race 782 may include a row of circumferentially-distributedsuperhard bearing elements 786, each of which includes a convexly-curvedbearing surface 788. In other embodiments, the inner race 782 mayinclude two rows, three rows, or any number of rows of the superhardbearing elements 786.

The radial bearing apparatuses 700A, 700B may further include an outerrace 790 (i.e., a stator) that extends about and receives the inner race782. The outer race 790 may include one row ofcircumferentially-distributed superhard bearing elements 708, each ofwhich includes a concavely-curved bearing surface 722 curved tocorrespond to the convexly-curved bearing surfaces 788. In otherembodiments, the outer race 790 may include two rows, three rows, or anynumber of rows of the superhard bearing elements 708.

The superhard bearing elements 708 and 786 may have a generally roundedrectangular shape and each may be made from any of the materialsdiscussed above for the superhard bearing elements 108. The terms“rotor” and “stator” refer to rotating and stationary components of theradial bearing apparatuses 700A, 700B, respectively. Thus, if the outerrace 790 is configured to remain stationary, the outer race 790 may bereferred to as the stator and the inner race 782 may be referred to asthe rotor.

At least some of the superhard bearing elements 786 may include a groove730 formed in the bearing surface 788. The grooves 730 may be orientedin a rotational direction R of the inner race 782 about a rotation axis724 (i.e., the groove 730 extends along a path that curves toward therotational direction R) to help pump lubricating fluid onto the bearingsurfaces 788 and/or the bearing surfaces 722. A shaft or spindle 756 mayextend through each inner race 782 and may be secured to each inner race782 by press fitting the shaft or spindle 756 to the inner races 782,threadly coupling the shaft or spindle 756 to the inner races 782, oranother suitable technique. A housing 760 may also be secured to theouter race 790 using similar techniques. The radial bearing apparatuses700A, 700B may be employed in a variety of mechanical applications. Forexample, drill motors and pumps may benefit from the radial bearingapparatuses 700A, 700B.

In operation, rotation of the shaft 756 may cause rotation of the innerrace 782 relative to the outer race 790. Lubricating fluid may be pumpedbetween the bearing surfaces 788 of the inner race 782 as shown by theflow arrows. Similar to the description with respect to the thrustbearing apparatus 400, the grooves 730 of the superhard bearing elements786 may help pump lubricating fluid between the bearing surfaces 788 ofthe superhard bearing elements 786 and/or the bearing surfaces 722 ofthe superhard bearing elements 708. Moreover, the grooves 730 of thesuperhard bearing elements 786 may help cool the superhard bearingelements 786 and/or the superhard bearing elements 708. Accordingly,wear on the superhard bearing elements 708, 786 may be reduced.

It is noted that in other embodiments, the rotor or stator may beconfigured as any of the previously described embodiments ofthrust-bearing assemblies. Moreover, the disclosed thrust-bearingapparatuses may be used in a number of applications such as downholemotors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems,pumps, transmissions, gear boxes, and many other applications.

Any of the embodiments for bearing apparatuses discussed above may beused in a subterranean drilling system. FIG. 8 is a schematic isometriccutaway view of a subterranean drilling system 800 according to anembodiment. The subterranean drilling system 800 may include a housing860 enclosing a downhole drilling motor 862 (i.e., a motor, turbine, orany other device capable of rotating an output shaft) that may beoperably connected to an output shaft 856. A thrust-bearing apparatus864 may be operably coupled to the downhole drilling motor 862. Thethrust-bearing apparatus 864 may be configured as any of the previouslydescribed thrust-bearing apparatus embodiments. A rotary drill bit 868may be configured to engage a subterranean formation and drill aborehole and may be connected to the output shaft 856. The rotary drillbit 868 is shown as a roller cone bit including a plurality of rollercones 870. However, other embodiments may utilize different types ofrotary drill bits, such as so-called “fixed cutter” drill bits. As theborehole is drilled, pipe sections may be connected to the subterraneandrilling system 800 to form a drill string capable of progressivelydrilling the borehole to a greater size or depth within the earth.

The thrust-bearing apparatus 864 may include a stator 872 that does notrotate and a rotor 874 that may be attached to the output shaft 856 androtates with the output shaft 856. As discussed above, thethrust-bearing apparatus 864 may be configured as any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. For example, the stator 872 may include a plurality ofcircumferentially-distributed superhard bearing elements 876 similar tothe superhard bearing elements 408 shown and described in thethrust-bearing apparatus 400 of FIG. 4A. The rotor 874 may include aplurality of circumferentially-distributed superhard bearing elements(not shown) such as shown and described in FIGS. 1A-3.

In operation, drilling fluid may be circulated through the downholedrilling motor 862 to generate torque and effect rotation of the outputshaft 856 and the rotary drill bit 868 attached thereto so that aborehole may be drilled. A portion of the drilling fluid may also beused to lubricate opposing bearing surfaces of the stator 872 and therotor 874. When the rotor 874 is rotated, grooves of the superhardbearing elements of the rotor 874 may pump the drilling fluid onto thebearing surfaces of the stator 872 and/or the rotor 874, as previouslydiscussed.

Although the bearing assemblies and apparatuses described above havebeen discussed in the context of subterranean drilling systems andapplications, in other embodiments, the bearing assemblies andapparatuses disclosed herein are not limited to such use and may be usedfor many different applications, if desired, without limitation. Thus,such bearing assemblies and apparatuses are not limited for use withsubterranean drilling systems and may be used with various mechanicalsystems, without limitation.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting. Additionally, the words “including,”“having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as usedherein, including the claims, shall be open ended and have the samemeaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise”and “comprises”).

What is claimed is:
 1. A bearing assembly, comprising: a plurality ofsuperhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis,at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elements including:a first end surface and a second end surface positioned generallyopposite the first end surface; a first side surface extending betweenthe first end surface and the second end surface; a second side surfacepositioned generally opposite the first side surface; a bearing surfaceextending between the first end surface, the second end surface, thefirst side surface, and the second side surface, the bearing surfaceincluding at least one groove formed therein that extends primarilylongitudinally from the first end surface to at least an intermediatelocation between the first end surface and the second end surface, atleast a portion of the at least one groove including a cross-sectionalarea at least partially defined between opposing sidewalls of the atleast one groove, the cross-sectional area having a generally v-shapedgeometry, a generally parabolic geometry, or a generally rectangulargeometry; and a support ring that carries the plurality of superhardbearing elements; wherein no intersections are formed by the at leastone groove.
 2. The bearing assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least onegroove extends to the second end surface.
 3. The bearing assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one groove includes at least one arcuategroove.
 4. The bearing assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least onegroove has a nonuniform depth.
 5. The bearing assembly of claim 1wherein the at least one groove is positioned and configured to pumplubricating fluid onto the bearing surfaces of one or more of theplurality of superhard bearing elements.
 6. The bearing assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one groove is configured to increase asurface area of the bearing surfaces in contact with lubricating fluid.7. The bearing assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one groovefollows a generally curved path, a generally semi-cylindrical path, orcombination thereof.
 8. The bearing assembly of claim 1 wherein the atleast one groove exhibits a length extending along a portion of thebearing surface and a depth extending between the bearing surface and abottom portion of the at least one groove.
 9. The bearing assembly ofclaim 8 wherein the length of the at least one groove is about forty(40) percent to about one hundred forty (140) percent of a length of theplurality of superhard bearing elements.
 10. The bearing assembly ofclaim 8 wherein the length of the at least one groove is about fourhundred (400) percent to eight hundred (800) percent of the depth of theat least one groove.
 11. The bearing assembly of claim 1 wherein each ofthe at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elementsincludes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond table bonded to thesubstrate, the polycrystalline diamond table having a thickness.
 12. Thebearing assembly of claim 11 wherein a depth of the at least one grooveis about ten (10) percent to one hundred twenty (120) percent of thethickness of the polycrystalline diamond table.
 13. The bearing assemblyof claim 12 wherein a depth of the at least one groove is about forty(40) percent to one hundred (100) of the thickness of thepolycrystalline diamond table.
 14. The bearing assembly of claim 1wherein each of the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearingelements comprises a non-cylindrical superhard bearing element.
 15. Thebearing assembly of claim 1 wherein the axis is a thrust axis, andwherein the support ring and the plurality of superhard bearing elementsdefine a thrust-bearing assembly; or wherein the axis is a rotationaxis, and wherein the support ring and the plurality of superhardbearing elements define a radial bearing assembly.
 16. The bearingassembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of the superhard bearingelements are brazed, interference-fitted, or fastened to the supportring.
 17. A bearing assembly, comprising: a plurality of superhardbearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis, at leastsome of the plurality of superhard bearing elements including: a firstend surface and a second end surface positioned generally opposite thefirst end surface; a first side surface extending between the first endsurface and the second end surface; a second side surface positionedgenerally opposite the first side surface; a bearing surface extendingbetween the first end surface, the second end surface, the first sidesurface, and the second side surface, the bearing surface including atleast one arcuate groove formed therein that extends primarilylongitudinally from the first end surface to at least an intermediatelocation between the first end surface and the second end surface; and asupport ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements;wherein no intersections are formed by the at least one arcuate groove.18. The bearing assembly of claim 17 wherein the at least one arcuategroove further extends to the second end surface.
 19. A bearingapparatus, comprising: a first bearing assembly; a second bearingassembly; and wherein at least one of the first bearing assembly or thesecond bearing assembly includes: a plurality of superhard bearingelements distributed circumferentially about an axis, at least some ofthe plurality of superhard bearing elements including: a first endsurface and a second end surface positioned generally opposite the firstend surface; a first side surface extending between the first endsurface and the second end surface; a second side surface positionedgenerally opposite the first side surface; a bearing surface extendingbetween the first end surface, the second end surface, the first sidesurface, and the second side surface, the bearing surface including atleast one groove formed therein that extends primarily longitudinallyfrom the first end surface to at least an intermediate location betweenthe first end surface and the second end surface, at least a portion ofthe at least one groove including a cross-sectional area at leastpartially defined between opposing sidewalls of the at least one groove,the cross-sectional area having a generally v-shaped geometry, agenerally parabolic geometry, or a generally rectangular geometry; and asupport ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements;wherein no intersections are formed by the at least one groove.